The Sleeping Beauty

The Sleeping Beauty

​The Sleeping Beauty has long been a jewel in the RWB’s classical repertoire. Celebrated for its glorious music, lavish costuming and regal sets, this glittering production showcases the depth and breadth of the RWB’s talented company.

Liam Reid as Carabosse Attendants

Joshua Phillips as Carabosse Attendants

Zhen Xi Geng as Carabosse Attendants

All casting is subject to change

Synopsis

PROLOGUE

THE CHRISTENING DAY OF PRINCESS AURORA

It is the day of the grand gala. Everyone of importance has been invited to celebrate the christening of the Kingdom’s new princess – Princess Aurora. Catalabutte, the Chief Steward is bustling about making sure all the arrangements are in order. Aurora’s six fairy godmothers arrive to bestow upon the infant princess their special graces. The Fairy of Tenderness, in white, personiﬁes beauty and candor. The Fairy of Carefreeness brings grace and the gift of dancing. The gift of the Fairy of Generosity is fertility and a life free from hunger while the Fairy of Mischievousness provides eloquence, singing and laughter. The Fairy of Bravery brings energy and commanding temperament.

Before the Lilac Fairy (La Fée des Lilas) is able to give her gift, the evil fairy Carabosse enters, furious that she was not invited. In revenge, she bestows her “gift” – Aurora will prick her ﬁnger and die on her 16th birthday. The court is horriﬁed, but the Lilac Fairy is able to soften the spell – when Aurora pricks her ﬁnger she will sleep for one hundred years and be awakened by the kiss of a handsome prince.

Act 1

Princess Aurora’s Sixteenth Birthday

The King and Queen have banned, on the punishment of death, any sharp object that could fulﬁl Carabosse’s curse. Three young women are discovered knitting in the courtyard, but are pardoned by the King, since it is the occasion of Princess Aurora’s sixteenth birthday. Young villagers dance a spirited waltz in celebration. As the excitement mounts, Aurora enters the courtyard with delicate footsteps and youthful eagerness. She is presented to four princes, each seeks her hand in marriage. Aurora dances with each suitor, and they in turn present her with a gift of roses in the famous Rose Adagio.

Carabosse, disguised as an old woman, arrives at the birthday celebration and gives Aurora a bouquet of ﬂowers, which Aurora willingly accepts. Hidden in the ﬂowers is a spindle; Aurora pricks her ﬁnger on it and collapses. Carabosse triumphantly reveals her true identity. The Lilac Fairy appears in the garden and assures the court that Aurora is not dead, but will sleep until awakened by the kiss of a handsome prince. Aurora is carried into the palace by the courtiers and the Lilac Fairy casts a spell over the entire court, causing everybody to fall asleep and a thick forest to grow around the palace.

ACT 2

The Awakening

One hundred years later, Prince Désiré becomes melancholic while hunting in the forest and wishes to be alone. The Lilac Fairy visits him and learns that he is sad because his heart is void of love. She tells him of the enchanted palace and the beautiful sleeping princess and guides him through the thick forest to the palace.

Once inside, Prince Désiré discovers the sleeping Aurora and recognizing his true love, kisses her. Aurora awakens from her enchanted sleep. The evil spell is destroyed and Carabosse collapses, overpowered by goodness and virtue. The entire court comes to life and the King and Queen meet Prince Désiré and happily approve his betrothal to their daughter, Aurora.

ACT 3

THE WEDDING OF AURORA AND DÉSIRÉ

The scene opens with a glorious polonaise, followed by fairy tale characters dancing in homage to the newlywed couple. Aurora and Désiré then perform the Grand Pas de Deux after which the entire court dances an exuberant mazurka bringing the celebrations to a ﬁtting climax.

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Testimonials

"The company emphasizes performance skill and parades a vast array of dancers on deck, from enchanting children … to highly disciplined professional students and corps de ballet, to soloists and principals who hold nothing back.
There’s something here for everyone to enjoy, and this ballet is perfect for families."